Sarcoma Treatment: Managing Nausea and Vomiting (The James)

Sarcoma Treatment: Managing Nausea and Vomiting (The James)

 

Nausea is an uncomfortable sick feeling in your stomach, like you may throw up. Vomiting is when you throw up. Nausea and/or vomiting can be side effects of cancer treatment.

 

What can help reduce my nausea and vomiting?

  • Your doctor may order an anti-nausea medicine (also called antiemetics) to help prevent and control your nausea and vomiting.
    • It is important to take all anti-nausea medicines as directed by your doctor.
    • You may need to keep taking this medicine for 2 to 3 days or longer, after treatment, even if you feel fine.
    • If you are unable to keep pills down, tell your doctor. Many anti-nausea medicines can be given in another form such as, a patch or tablet that melts in your mouth.
    • Medicines that may be ordered by your doctor include:
MedicineDirectionsPossible Side Effects
Ondansetron (Zofran)Take every 6-8 hours as needed to prevent nausea. You can alternate taking this medicine with other anti-nausea medicines.Constipation (unable to have a bowel movement)
Prochlorperazine (Compazine)Take every 6-8 hours as needed to prevent nausea. You can alternate taking this medicine with other anti-nausea medicines.Sleepy/Drowsy
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)Take each day in the evening as directed.Sleepy/Drowsy
Dexamethasone (Decadron)Take before/during/ after chemotherapy treatment to prevent nausea.Trouble sleeping, jittery

 

  • You may find it helpful to change your eating habits to reduce nausea and vomiting. Things that may help include:
    • Limit the amount of fluid you drink with meals
    • Keep a small amount of food on your stomach
    • Eat 5-6 small meals during the day, instead of 3 large meals
    • Eat when you feel like it and eat slowly ► Eat foods cold or at room temperature
    • Do not eat spicy, fatty, fried, or greasy foods
    • Eat bland dry foods that are easy on the stomach, such as dry toast, saltine crackers, white bread, bananas, and starchy vegetables, such as boiled or baked potatoes
  • Some other ways that may help limit nausea and vomiting include:
    • If possible, do not lie down for at least 2 hours after you eat
    • Take slow deep breaths through your mouth
    • Suck on hard candies such as peppermints or lemon drops
    • Use relaxation exercises or guided imagery techniques
    • Even if you are unable to eat food, try to drink at least 8 to 10 large glasses of non-caffeinated fluids each day to prevent dehydration
    • For comfort, try a cool cloth on your forehead or on the back of your neck
    • Do mouth care (brushing, flossing teeth, etc.) before and after meals

 

Is there anything else I should know about constipation?

Some chemotherapy drugs and pain medicines (opioids) may cause constipation. Constipation is when you are not able to have a bowel movement for several days or have stools that are hard or difficult to pass. This problem may cause or add to your nausea. Ways to help lessen constipation include:

  • Take a stool softener each day
  • Take a mild laxative
  • Be active and drink plenty of water each day
  • Call your doctor if you have gone more than 3 days without having a bowel movement
  • To learn more, ask for the patient education handout, Sarcoma Treatment: Managing Constipation

 

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following problems:

  • Unable to keep food or drink down, even after you have taken your anti-nausea medicine
  • Abdominal pain or nausea with cramping and constipation
  • Blood in your vomit • Dark colored vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Dizzy or lightheaded feeling that does not go away
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Decreased need to urinate or only pass a small amount of urine
    • Urine that looks dark in color or cloudy
    • More thirsty than normal
    • Dry eyes
    • Dry mouth or thick saliva
  • Loss of more than 5 pounds in a week
  • You have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
  • Call 911 if you think you may need emergency care

 

© April 29, 2022. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.